“Action” is not a verb.

Or, at least, not a very precise one. Consider this sentence:

I’m actioning this action in order to action you that “action” is a noun, not a verb.

Don’t get me wrong…I’m not an etymological Luddite:? I’m not asking you to stop using the word altogether, but in almost all cases… there are better action verbs than “action”.

Let’s try another example:

I’m going to action my lunch.??

What does "action my lunch" actually entail? Does this mean that I will eat my lunch?? Give it to someone who has less resources than I have?? Or maybe share my lunch with a friend? Cook, buy, or make my lunch? Does it mean taking a lunch break?

And, hey!? Even Google editor agrees, as I was typing this in Docs; scroll up to the image given, above, to review this.

“Action” is very generic as a verb.? Using this word assumes that either the person being asked to take action knows exactly what’s needed, and so do you. But are you certain that you both have the same idea???

• If you are the person being asked to “action,” something:? Are you certain that you know what your manager (or other person) expects of you?
• If you are the person asking that something be “actioned”:? Do you know precisely what you are asking the person to do?? Is there something specific you want them to do???

You get the point here:? Everyone is making assumptions about what “action” needs to be taken.? But without clear communication of what’s needed, you may not end up with the desired outcome.? Leaders may not understand what their subordinates are doing, peers can be confused as well, and all this can lead to less than optimal outcomes. ? Persons executing the actions may do so without really understanding what’s being asked of them, or could “action” incorrectly, because they don’t really know what’s required, or at least their assumptions could be out of alignment with expectations.

So, the next time you tell someone to “action” whatever it is they’re working on, show them the respect and clear communication they deserve, and tell them exactly what’s needed.? And, if not, you need to be OK with whatever they determine their action to be.

And if you are the person being told to “action” something…unless you know you have the trust of the person requesting that, consider clarifying what you are actually being asked to do.

Are you ready to clearly communicate?? Yes?? Then:? Lights…camera… "action" ... is a noun! Use it as such, and find better verbs!